The U.S. Women`s National Team will conclude its summer friendlies with a highly anticipated match against long-time rivals Canada on Wednesday. Following two convincing 4-0 victories against Ireland, this regional clash presents a significantly tougher challenge for a younger USWNT roster eager to impress the coaching staff, with higher stakes than previous months.
This will be the 67th meeting between the two nations. Beyond the immediate lineup, the match highlights how six months of player introductions and breakthroughs have reshaped the USWNT player pool for the future. After facing Canada, the team won`t gather again until the fall international windows, roughly 13 months before the November 2026 Concacaf W Championship, which serves as World Cup qualifiers.
With the 2027-28 cycle in mind, there`s much for hopeful players to prove. Let`s examine who is currently trending upwards and who might need this final test against Canada to solidify their position within the squad.
Why So Many New Faces?
The influx of new players reflects a generational shift and a strategic rebuild under new head coach Emma Hayes. Extensive retirements over the past two years, combined with Hayes` arrival, prompted a decision to fully embrace change and build a stronger foundation following the disappointing 2023 World Cup. While a 2024 Olympic gold medal put the USWNT back on top, 2025 has focused on expanding the player pool and experimentation, partly due to several key gold medal squad members being unavailable.
Key attacking players like Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman have been largely absent in 2025. Rodman is out with a back injury, while Smith and Swanson are on maternity leave and not expected back this year. Defender Naomi Girma and midfielder Rose Lavelle recently returned in May and June, respectively.
What`s at Stake?
With many regulars unavailable, numerous new players have joined the squad. While the 4-0 wins against an injured Ireland provided confidence, Canada serves as a necessary and robust measuring stick. Their physical, battle-tested squad offers the ultimate challenge.
Emma Hayes has openly stated her intention to narrow down the expanded player pool to a core group after the summer window. This is a crucial step in the coaching staff`s long-term plan for the 2027-28 cycle. For some players, this period marks only six months with the senior team, while others have been involved since last fall.
Players to Watch Against Canada
Spots, particularly for third, fourth, or fifth options beyond the ideal starting XI, are highly contested. Canada provides an optimal test for players competing for these depth positions.
Here are five players whose performance against Canada on Wednesday will be particularly revealing:
- Avery Patterson: The outside back has impressed in her five USWNT appearances. Her performance against China in May showed improvement from her debut minutes against Brazil in April, and she scored her first national team goal starting against Ireland. Hayes praised her improvement and listening skills but noted the need for defensive testing – which she`ll get against Canada.
- Michelle Cooper: The winger has made the most of her opportunities and been in most camps this year. Her standout play is fearless, driving at opposing defenses with a style that might seem reckless but adds a vital energy with more game time.
- Yazmeen Ryan: Another forward option providing crafty wing play, although a club move and a lingering injury have impacted her consistency. She scored her first national team goal against Ireland last Thursday after being involved in USWNT camps since last fall.
- Mandy McGlynn: No goalkeeper has started consecutive games in 2025 except Phallon Tulis-Joyce. As Canada is the top-ranked opponent this window, McGlynn, the most capped goalkeeper on the roster with five starts, might get the nod. However, she showed room for improvement on some errors against top teams like Brazil. A match against Canada is a crucial test of her growth.
- Giselle Thompson: The fullback is having a strong club season with Angel City FC alongside her sister Alyssa Thompson. Her respectable performances led the coaching staff to consider her for attacking roles. She received a call-up as part of the forward group earlier this month but an injury ruled her out. Now she`s back and has a chance to challenge a formidable opponent.
